Monthly Archives: June 2012

So, when exactly are the people of the UK going to say to this government – go? Why are the people of the UK so unresponsive to this oppressive, grubby, cynical government and not confidently demonstrating to demand their removal?

Is it because we are so demoralized, or happy to hide in our IPads with free internet avoiding the squalor and misery that is reality for a growing population? Are we cozy and collude with being bullied, trampled over and patronized by an ineffectual government? Is it the dread of Labour being unelectable and off the public radar? This grubby government has failed regardless of its veneer of supremacy to show social democracy and improve access to housing, health and education for its people.

There was a time in the UK when people had the sense of common good, a shared self-respect and expectation for an elected government to administer and conduct itself for the real benefit of the people of UK. We demonstrated and lobbied to forge change, so what has happened to the people of the UK that leaves us so passive and compliant? Is this the way we want things to be for the rest of our lives?

The Spectator magazine was ordered by court to pay Lawrence family for the ‘agony it caused by nearly wrecking the Old Bailey trial of his killers.’

The Spectator was fined more than £5,000 in costs and damages for breaking reporting restrictions. Both Mr and Mrs Lawrence made it clear to the court neither wanted any money but the magazine was ordered to pay on the discretion of the District Judge Howard Riddle.

Judge Riddle referring to the complexity and sensitivity of this long awaited trial stated that it “ hung in the balance” for a short period after the publication of the article written by journalist Rod Liddle. The latter wrote the media had already judged the killers as “ bang to rights” and detailed their criminal pasts.

Judge Riddle stated ‘ All parties took very clear, strong and sensible efforts to make sure the trial process was not prejudiced and an Order was made under the Criminal Justice Act Despite the very clear terms of the order … the Spectator published the article. It placed the trial briefly in jeopardy.

The additional burden that Mr and Mrs Lawrence were forced to endure is unimaginable and their tenacity for basic justice must be loudly commended. As ‘gongs’ and knighthoods are being thrown around for crime victims what title is befitting the Lawrence family’s years and years of ordeal, and triumph?

When will this family be allowed to grieve? It is another example as to why it is time for the media to be formally bound to robust privacy law as in France; because the UK media is unable and disinclined to regulate itself. On too many crucial and deeply personal occasions it has recklessly disrupted personal lives of crime victims and potentially interfered with the process of justice. This is never in the public interest and must come to an end.

Dozens of victims and families (affected by the London Bombings, 2005), complained over lengthy delays to compensation payouts, and many attacked the “paltry” sums offered for life-changing injuries.

Mr Stuart Bell, today called for “urgent reforms” to the system saying delays would add the “trauma already suffered by those who survived. Mr Bell was driving the train on the Piccadilly line when the bomb went off … he had to Appeal twice before he received just over £4,000 for his psychological injuries. “These people have no closure … it just added more stress to what I was going through. Mr Bell added, “ It’s not really about the money, it’s the authorities recognizing what you have gone through … they just didn’t seem to care. When you get a paltry amount it’s like you don’t matter, you just feel worthless.”

The CICA said it paid out £11.5million in compensation altogether to 648 victims of the Bombings.

At last, the Met Police (MPS – UK) responded to my complaint against their decision under FoIA and the answer …

At last, the Met Police (MPS – UK) responded to my complaint against their decision under the FoIA. Their answer is … the answer to access for research data regarding an arson attack claiming some thirteen murdered lives in 1994 is … … no.

Lots, lots, lots, lots of reasons and words, and even repeatedly copying my research letter with my full name and date of birth; great, so much for privacy!

It’s all such a disappointing, excessive waste of taxpayers and police service time. My apologies to the army of champion law enforcement officers but sadly the volume of obstructive and mediocrity among decision-makers in the MPS stifles overshadows the real best practice out there. And all so predictable and it’s taken nearly six months!

Well, think I’m going to make a documentary instead on the subject. The subject is of genuine public interest and the incident affected dozens and there is a need to correct so much misinformation ‘out there’ in cyber-world about this horrific event; it is a genuine worthwhile piece of work. There may also be many people affected that do wish to have a forum to state their views and experiences and not be silenced!